Quick Search
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is a cycloaliphatic secondary alcohol used principally as a fragrance ingredient and as an intermediate for manufacturing fragrance esters.
Commercial material is commonly supplied as a cis/trans isomer mixture in the form of white crystalline powder, granules, flakes, or solid lumps.
Its characteristic woody, earthy, camphoraceous, minty, and slightly leathery odor makes 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol useful in perfumery, household fragrances, soap and detergent compositions, and specialty aroma-chemical synthesis.
CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND SYNONYMS
Chemical Name: 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol
IUPAC Name: 4-tert-Butylcyclohexan-1-ol
CAS Number: 98-52-2
EC Number: 202-676-4
Molecular Formula: C10H20O
Molecular Weight: 156.27 g/mol
Chemical Class: Cycloaliphatic secondary alcohol
Abbreviation: PTBCH
SMILES: CC(C)(C)C1CCC(O)CC1
InChIKey: CCOQPGVQAWPUPE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Common names include p-tert-Butylcyclohexanol, para-tert-Butylcyclohexanol, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, 4-(tert-butyl)cyclohexanol, 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexanol, cyclohexanol 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, 1-hydroxy-4-tert-butylcyclohexane, hexahydro-p-tert-butylphenol, patchouli hexanol, PTBCH alcohol, and p-t-BCH.
CAS 98-52-2 normally identifies 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol without specifying a single stereoisomer and is frequently used for commercial cis/trans mixtures.
Cis-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is also identified by CAS 937-05-3, while trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is identified by CAS 21862-63-5.
The general substance identity and formula are recorded in the registered chemical identity profile.
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol should not be confused with 4-tert-butylcyclohexanone, 4-tert-butylphenol, tert-butylcyclohexane, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, or 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acrylate.
These substances have different functional groups, physical properties, uses, and safety classifications.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is generally a white to almost-white crystalline or waxy solid at room temperature.
Its melting behavior depends strongly on total purity and cis/trans composition.
Appearance: White to almost-white crystalline powder, granules, flakes, or lumps
Odor: Characteristic woody, earthy, camphoraceous, minty odor
Physical State: Solid or viscous solid at 20°C
Melting Range: Common commercial mixtures approximately 62–71°C
Boiling Point: Approximately 214–228°C at atmospheric pressure
Reduced-Pressure Boiling Range: Approximately 110–115°C at 15 mmHg
Flash Point: Approximately 105°C, closed cup
Density: Approximately 0.87–0.90 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Approximately 6 Pa at 25°C
Water Solubility: Low, with a registered value of approximately 264 mg/L at 20°C
Log Pow: Approximately 3.23
Refractive Index: Approximately 1.45 when measured in the liquid state
Hydroxyl Equivalent Weight: 156.27 g/eq
Theoretical Hydroxyl Value: Approximately 359 mg KOH/g
Organic-Solvent Compatibility: Soluble in methanol, ethanol, and many common organic formulation solvents
A representative high-purity cis/trans product has a total isomer assay above 98% and a melting range of 64–71°C. Representative commercial specification
STEREOCHEMISTRY AND ISOMER COMPOSITION
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol exists as cis and trans stereoisomers according to the relative orientation of the hydroxyl and tert-butyl groups on the cyclohexane ring.
The bulky tert-butyl group strongly favors an equatorial position and restricts the preferred conformation of the cyclohexane ring.
This structural effect influences stability, melting behavior, odor character, and reactivity.
Isomer composition is an important commercial parameter rather than a minor analytical detail.
A general-purpose cis/trans mixture may be suitable for chemical synthesis, while fragrance and ester applications can require a defined or enriched isomer ratio.
Isomer-rich materials can have substantially different melting points.
Registered data describe melting behavior near 56°C for cis-rich material and near 83°C for highly trans-rich material, while common mixtures melt over an intermediate range.
The measured physical-property relationships are summarized in the registered substance dossier.
CHEMICAL FUNCTIONALITY
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol contains one secondary hydroxyl group.
It undergoes the reactions expected of a secondary cycloaliphatic alcohol, including esterification, ether formation, oxidation, dehydration, and conversion into activated intermediates.
Esterification with lower carboxylic acids or their reactive derivatives produces 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl esters. The acetate is particularly important in fragrance chemistry, while other esters can provide different volatility, substantivity, and odor characteristics.
Oxidation converts 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol into 4-tert-butylcyclohexanone. The alcohol can also be used as a stereochemically defined building block in research and specialty organic synthesis.
PRODUCTION AND COMMERCIAL FORM
The principal industrial production method is catalytic hydrogenation of 4-tert-butylphenol. Hydrogenation of the aromatic ring first forms cyclic intermediates and ultimately produces 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol.
Supported metal catalysts are used under controlled hydrogen pressure and temperature. Catalyst type, support, solvent, acidity, temperature, pressure, residence time, and downstream equilibration influence conversion and the resulting cis/trans ratio.
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanone may occur as a reaction intermediate. It can also be used directly as the starting material and reduced to 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol through catalytic hydrogenation or another suitable reduction system.
After reaction, the catalyst is removed and the product is purified by distillation, crystallization, or a combination of separation methods. Purification controls residual 4-tert-butylphenol, 4-tert-butylcyclohexanone, solvent, catalyst metals, color bodies, water, and other volatile or high-boiling impurities.
Catalytic hydrogenation of 4-tert-butylphenol and the importance of the resulting alcohol in fragrance-ester production are described in the published hydrogenation study.
APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIES
Fragrance and perfumery compositions
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is used as a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a predominantly woody and earthy profile.
Camphoraceous, minty, dry, leathery, and patchouli-like facets can also be present.
It can contribute body and persistence to woody, herbal, leather, forest, moss, amber, and functional-fragrance accords.
Its exact odor effect depends on isomer composition, purity, concentration, carrier, and interaction with other fragrance ingredients.
The material’s relatively low vapor pressure gives it slower evaporation than many light top-note ingredients.
This allows it to support middle-note and base-note effects in suitable fragrance systems.
Fine fragrance and personal-care products
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol may be incorporated into fragrance compounds intended for perfumes, deodorants, soaps, shampoos, lotions, creams, and other personal-care products.
Use in a finished formulation must follow the current fragrance-safety assessment, applicable product-category limits, local cosmetic legislation, and the specifications of the fragrance house.
A dedicated peer-reviewed fragrance ingredient safety assessment was published in 2024. Fragrance ingredient safety assessment
Soap and detergent fragrances
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol and its esters are relevant to soap, detergent, fabric-care, and household-cleaning fragrance systems.
Woody and camphoraceous characteristics can help provide freshness, dryness, and persistence in functional products.
Performance evaluation should include odor stability in alkaline media, compatibility with surfactants, color stability, deposition on fabric or hard surfaces, and behavior during storage.
The alcohol should not be assumed to have the same stability or odor profile as its acetate or other ester derivatives.
Each material requires separate formulation and regulatory assessment.
Home-care and air-care fragrances
The material can be evaluated in air fresheners, surface-care fragrances, laundry products, and related household applications where a woody or earthy odor profile is required.
Formulation development should account for crystallization, carrier compatibility, product pH, packaging interaction, and possible odor changes caused by oxidation or prolonged exposure to light and heat.
Manufacture of fragrance esters
A major industrial function of 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is the manufacture of esters with lower carboxylic acids.
The resulting esters are important ingredients in perfumery, soap, detergent, and household-product fragrance systems.
4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate is a prominent derivative.
It is produced by esterifying the alcohol with a suitable acetylating reagent, followed by neutralization, purification, and control of residual alcohol, acid, water, and catalyst.
The cis/trans ratio of the starting alcohol carries into the derivative and can materially affect its odor profile and physical properties.
Buyers producing fragrance esters should therefore specify isomer composition in addition to total assay.
Specialty organic synthesis
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is used as a secondary-alcohol building block in fine-chemical and research synthesis.
It can be converted into esters, ethers, halide derivatives, sulfonate intermediates, ketones, and other functional compounds.
The conformational effect of the tert-butyl group makes the cis and trans isomers useful in studies of stereoselective oxidation, reduction, substitution, and elimination chemistry.
Chemical manufacturers may select mixed-isomer material for general synthesis or purified isomers when stereochemistry affects reaction rate, selectivity, crystallization, or final-product performance.
Analytical and research applications
High-purity 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is used in analytical method development, chromatographic studies, catalyst evaluation, stereochemical research, and the preparation of reference materials.
Isomer-resolved gas chromatography or another suitable analytical method is necessary when cis/trans composition forms part of the specification.
GRADE SELECTION AND QUALITY PARAMETERS
Commercial 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is available as mixed-isomer, cis-enriched, trans-enriched, fragrance, synthesis, or reagent-grade material.
The correct grade depends on whether the product will be used directly for odor, converted into an ester, oxidized into a ketone, or used as a stereochemical building block.
A common high-purity commercial target is at least 98% total 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol by gas chromatography.
Total purity alone does not define fragrance performance because two batches with similar assay can have different isomer distributions and odor profiles.
Important procurement parameters include:
Total assay by gas chromatography
Cis-isomer content
Trans-isomer content
Melting range
Appearance and color
Odor evaluation
Hydroxyl value
Water content
Acid value
Residual 4-tert-butylphenol
Residual 4-tert-butylcyclohexanone
Residual solvents
Nonvolatile residue
Trace catalyst metals
Packaging configuration
Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet requirements
Residual 4-tert-butylphenol requires particular attention because it can influence odor, color, toxicological assessment, and downstream ester quality. Residual ketone can also alter odor character and reduce the measured hydroxyl value.
FORMULATION AND PROCESSING CONSIDERATIONS
Because 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is normally solid at room temperature, it may be melted or dissolved before metering.
Heated vessels, transfer lines, filters, and pumps should maintain a temperature safely above the product’s actual melting range without causing localized overheating.
Indirect heating through a temperature-controlled jacket is preferred.
Open flames and uncontrolled electrical heaters should not be used.
The cis/trans ratio can change the melting range and crystallization behavior.
Process temperatures established for one grade may therefore be unsuitable for another grade with a different isomer distribution.
When the material is used directly in fragrance concentrates, solubility should be evaluated in the complete carrier system.
Crystallization can occur during cold storage if the concentration exceeds the solubility limit.
For ester production, water content affects reaction equilibrium and processing efficiency.
Acid value, hydroxyl value, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, and removal of reaction water should be controlled.
Odor-sensitive applications require clean equipment and dedicated or validated transfer systems.
Trace contamination from phenols, amines, sulfur compounds, oxidized residues, or previous fragrance materials can affect the sensory profile.
STORAGE AND HANDLING
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
It should be protected from excessive heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and strong oxidizing agents.
Some high-purity grades specify refrigerated storage.
The storage temperature and retest period should follow the requirements established for the supplied grade.
Solid handling should minimize dust formation.
Heated handling should prevent contact with hot molten product and should include temperature controls suitable for combustible organic materials.
Operators should wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles.
Face protection is recommended when molten product is transferred or when splash exposure is possible.
SAFETY AND HAZARD INFORMATION
Current classifications commonly identify 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol as causing serious eye irritation.
Some safety classifications also identify the material as harmful to aquatic life.
The material has low volatility at room temperature, but dust, heated vapor, or aerosol should not be inhaled.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact should be avoided even when a particular grade is not classified as a skin irritant.
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is combustible, with a flash point of approximately 105°C.
Heating above its melting point requires appropriate control of ignition sources, hot surfaces, ventilation, and thermal exposure.
Thermal decomposition or combustion can generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke, and irritating organic decomposition products. The material should be kept away from strong oxidizers.
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air and keep the person at rest.
Obtain medical attention if coughing, irritation, dizziness, or other symptoms persist.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
Obtain medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses when present and easy to remove, continue rinsing, and obtain medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth and seek medical advice.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by qualified medical personnel.
FIRE AND SPILL RESPONSE
Suitable extinguishing media include dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, and water fog. Water spray can be used to cool exposed containers.
Firefighters should wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus when significant smoke or decomposition products are present.
Solid spills should be collected using methods that minimize dust.
Molten spills should be allowed to cool when safe and then recovered mechanically, or contained with a compatible inert absorbent.
The material should not be discharged into drains, soil, or surface water.
Contaminated absorbents and residues should be disposed of according to applicable waste regulations.
TRANSPORT INFORMATION
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol in its commonly supplied solid form is generally not regulated as dangerous goods under major road, sea, and air transport systems.
Transport classification may change if the material is supplied molten, dissolved in a hazardous solvent, or combined with another regulated substance. The transport section of the current Safety Data Sheet for the actual supplied grade takes precedence.
PACKAGING AND SUPPLY
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol can be supplied in sealed lined bags, fiber drums, plastic drums, metal drums, or other compatible industrial packaging according to grade and quantity.
Packaging should protect the product from moisture, contamination, odor pickup, physical loss, and temperature extremes.
Fragrance-grade material benefits from clean, low-odor liners and packaging materials.
Ataman Kimya supports 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol procurement for fragrance formulations, fragrance-ester production, soap and detergent compounds, household products, specialty synthesis, and research applications. Product selection can be coordinated according to assay, cis/trans ratio, melting range, odor profile, residual phenol, residual ketone, packaging, and documentation requirements.
For specifications, availability, packaging options, and commercial inquiries, contact Ataman Kimya.
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com
